grumpys crazy golf, cowes
This 18 round course offers some whacky obstacles like giant spinning tops and tyres, and has an assortment of crazy decorations scattered around.
Who doesn’t love a round of mini golf?
You’re gonna love this colourful place! Guaranteed to be no Grumpy Cowes here!
Smack bang in the middle of the main strip of Cowes, it is hard to miss. Especially the giant cow and cow print couch out the front!
This 18 round course offers some whacky obstacles like giant spinning tops and tyres, and has an assortment of crazy decorations scattered around. Get set to spot huge witches and cow dolls hanging from the ceiling, giant clown faces, rainbow fence palings - even a gazebo!
Great for all weather as its outdoors but undercover - just make sure you rug up in winter, the wind there is chilly!
There’s even a couple of picnic tables out back, so pack some food and enjoy the space.
Mamma's special mentions:
After you have worked up an appetite, you must head across the road to try the BEST coffee and WAFFLES in Cowes at Nordic Kantine.
the nitty gritty
Open
Summer and school holidays
7 days
10am - 5pm
Winter
weekends only
10am - 5pm
Cost
Adults $12
Kids under 15 $10
wanna know more? click here
crystal world & prehistoric journeys exhibitions, devon meadows
This place is incredible and home to Rosie the Shark!
This place is quite extraordinary. There’s so many aspects to explore!
Firstly, you cannot go past the majestic Rosie the shark! She was found in an abandoned old theme-park and after a huge ‘save Rosie’ social media campaign, the crew for Crystal World knew that they just had to re-home her. It is an incredibly large and expensive task to get her back to her former glory and restore her in her new forever home.
It is quite an experience getting up close to a shark that massive, and hopefully the ONLY time you ever will!
Then there’s all the dinosaur statues you can check out. Mamma’s little Mr is quite the dino fan, so this blew his mind! Spread out over a grassy paddock, including a bridge and pond you can sit amongst dinos of all sizes. Very cool.
Then, of course, are the hundreds of crystals, fossils, meteorites, gems and jewellery that you can check out and purchase. There are crates upon crates of these precious stones, ranging from one to thousands of dollars!
This experience is free and definitely one to add to your list!
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head down the road to the awesome Cranbourne Botanical Gardens
* Note *
You can donate to help with the expensive task of restoring Rosie by contributing here.
myuna farm, doveton
A farm with a playground, feeding trail, nursery, pony rides AND a tractor!
Mamma just ADORES this very special farm. There a heaps of farm animals to see, a nursery where you can get up close to some babies and a playground that is perfect for the mini farmers. Oh and the chickens like to share the playground too!
You are allowed to feed the animals here at Myuna and will be given a bag of bread as you enter. The feeding trail takes you RIGHT to the animals that are keen on some tucker. They will be super keen to see you too - especially if you happen to be some of the first visitors! Mamma absolutely LOVES the new pig houses too.
Myuna also have optional pony rides AND a tractor ride. The novelty factor of this simple carriage ride is enough and saves your legs walking out to the wetlands to see the ducks and spy some sleepy bats.
Mamma's special mention: Casey City Council run the operation here in Doveton and often hold great community events here too. Click here to see the latest on offer.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
10am - 4pm
7 days
cafe on site - BBQs and picnic facilities - pram friendly
wanna know more? click here
ripe n ready cherry farm, red hill
Fill up your bucket with delicious ripe cherries!
How good are cherries!
Do you love the dark red juicy ones, or the pink, sour ones? Mamma loves them all and they are DELICIOUS at this lovely farm!
You can opt to just enter and pick your own to eat whilst there - or you can grab a bucket and take them home to eat later.
There are heaps of trees and plenty of cherries to pick when you go during peak season. The trees are a good height so even the little ones can reach.
Lots to do here, and such a picturesque place to spend the day. Oh, keep and eye out for some gorgeous cows grazing in the fields, too!
the nitty gritty
Entry fee
Cherries collected are charged per kg
Pick your own cherries open from early November - mid January
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
There’s so much to explore in Red Hill!
If you’re hungry, head to Red Gum BBQ. Want some Strawberries, head to Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm
island break cottages, cowes
Spoil yourself with an island escape!
Mamma loves to escape to the island, take a break and be immersed in nature.
This divine little cottage is the most perfect place to do just that. It's the second time we've chosen to stay here to celebrate a special occasion, and we will definitely be back.
It's not hard to see why we love it so much. There's the crackle of the open fire, the chirp of numerous birds, the bubbles of the corner spa and the extremely likely chance of meeting the local wildlife. We were fortunate enough to have a sleepy koala snuggled up in a tree in our backyard!
The cottages themselves have a small kitchen, so there's no need to leave your cosy little nest if you don't want to.
The owners are very lovely and offer great advice on some day-trips you can go on; but they are not intrusive at all, and your cottage is very private.
Mamma highly recommends this place if you are looking for the perfect island break!
Mamma's special mention
There is so much to explore on this wonderful Island. Head to for a coffee at Island Whole Foods. Go for a walk at the spectacular Pyramid Rock or The Nobbies. Drop in at Churchill Island. Don't forget to get some delicious chocolate at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory! And, of course, you cannot visit Phillip Island without visiting the adorable Penguin Parade!
the nitty gritty
One bedroom cottages - corner spa - open fire - self-contained kitchen
Price
From $175 a night.
Wanna know more?
click here
183 - 189 Justice Rd, Cowes
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petting zoo @ prahran market, prahran
How good is getting a taste of the country right in the middle of the city?
How good is getting a taste of the country right in the middle of the city?
Every Tuesday morning, the gorgeous animals from the Peninsula Animal Farm make their way to the middle of the market, offering city kids a chance to feed, pat, cuddle and even brush some baby animals. There are goats, cows, bunnies, guinea pigs, sheep and chickens.
All animals are extremely friendly and love a bit of attention.
If you are brave enough, you can even have a chicken sit on your head!
Kids will love the fluffy bunnies and cheeky chickens, and the smiles on their little faces are just priceless.
Mamma's Special Mention
There's lots to see, do and taste at The Prahran Market, make sure you experience it all.
ripponlea gardens and estate, ripponlea
For an EPIC garden adventure you can to go past these famous gardens.
For an EPIC garden adventure you can't go past these famous gardens. Hidden away in the little suburb of Ripponlea and behind a barrier of fences and high trees - you have no idea the treat you are in for as you walk up the drive. The magnificent house stands 'guard' and overlooks the lush green lawn which is a popular place for festivals and events.
Take a walk through the huge fernery where you are dwarfed by these HUGE plants an be sure to check out the pool area and dream of an era when some pretty cool 'Great Gatsby' type parties that would have been held here!
Mamma LOVES the lake area complete with pretty bridges, boat shed, a look out and waterfall (with hidden grotto behind it!). Keep an eye out for some eels gliding through the water too! Pack a picnic and spread out over the lawn for the afternoon or grab a bite at the cafe/gift shop! Oh and tours are available for the mansion and the gardens too!
Mamma's special mention: Want more garden adventures? Head to St Kilda Botanical Gardens just a hop skip and jump away!
the nitty gritty
Hours
Open Daily
September to April
10am – 5pm (Last entry 4.30pm)
May to September
10am – 4pm (Last entry 3.30pm)
Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Cost: $10 Adult
$7 Concession
$4 Children (4-15 years)
$20 Family (2 adults + 2 children)
Wanna know more? Click HERE for more info and for tour information
192 Hotham Street
Elsternwick
bunjil place, narre warren
The NEW epicentre of culture in the City of Casey
Mamma is a sucker for architecture. A building designed so beautifully that it makes you go WOW at the shear scale of the place. Walking up to this enormous community hub is no different. Bunjil Place is inspired not only in name but in also in the shape of the ancient creator - the eagle, Bunjil.
This community space brings the local culture together in one place and will be the venue for some incredible events taking advantage of the brilliant facilities. There is a 800 seat theatre, smaller 200 seater performance space studio, a gallery showcasing Australian art, super kid friendly library, huge auditorium, a great cafe and this is just the inside. Step outside to the plaza and there is a huge outdoor screen for movie nights, water fountains just begging to be ran through, stacks of bean bags and deck chairs for lounging and a playground bridging the gap to the Casey RAC.
There will be plenty of events here over the coming years and to know exactly what is on - click here for a list of events and programs.
Mamma's special mentions:
Bunjil is THE place to be this summer - Your Summer Playground! With events happening all throughout the season, be sure to check out the full program HERE.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Opening hours differ for each space and may be different on public holidays
Gallery
Tuesday - Sunday
10 am - 5 pm
Closed Mondays
Library
Monday - Friday
9am - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Café
Monday - Friday
7am - 6pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 5pm
wanna know more? click here
searoad ferries - foot passenger, sorrento - queenscliff
Here's a great way to spend a day - sail across the bay! You may be lucky and have dolphins swim beside you!
Here's a great way to spend a day - sail across the bay! If you are lucky, you may even see dolphins frolicking alongside you!
Searoad ferries offer travel from either Sorrento to Queenscliff or the reverse.
This Mamma and crew had a very indulgent Saturday recently and partook in the delightful sail to lunch package. We boarded from the South and travelled out West, leaving our car and traffic behind us. The kids had a ball on board - with a little playground to keep them busy. When we arrived at Queenscliff, we had lunch literally a stones throw away from the golden sand. The kids could play by the seaside whilst this Mamma enjoyed a sneaky sav and succulent fish n chips!
The views are amazing and it is such a beautiful and relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
Mamma's special mention
Jump onboard during school holidays to participate in awesome activities. Such as crafts, robot workshops, dolphin fun - and more
the nitty gritty
DETAILS ON LOTTERY!
Click HERE!
Hours
Operates every hour between 7am to 6pm from both ends
wanna know more?
click here
Sorrento - Esplanade, Sorrento
Queenscliff -1 Wharf St E, Queenscliff
melbourne cable park, bangholme
This awesome park is split into FOUR sections: Ride (which is cable wakeboarding) Aqua Park (an inflatable obstacle course), Climb and NOW Mini Golf!
This awesome park is split into FOUR sections: Ride (which is cable wakeboarding) Aqua Park (an inflatable obstacle course), Climb and NOW Mini Golf!
.
The Climb is amazing - with 5 levels of high climbing, vertigo inducing FUN!
Adults and kids (aged 5+) can get harnessed up and challenge themselves on obstacles like; rock walls, tight-rope walking, zip-line, pedal cars, bucket climb and SO much more.
The lower level is solely for kids aged 5 - 10, with adults able to walk around the course to assist. The top 4 levels are for adults and kids 10+, and you have 1 hour to push yourself to the limit! You can purchase an extra hour if you really want to challenge yourself!
The mini golf is NEW - there are 18 holes, with obstacles, jumps and hazards. The course will take about 45-1hr to get through. Just grab your putter and ball from reception and head down. It’s got a great view of the wakeboarding too!
Mamma also just LOVES the Aqua Park in the summer months and will be hitting the wakeboarding next summer! So stay tuned!
the nitty gritty
5 River End Rd, Bangholme
Climb: Arrive 30 minutes before your session for harnessing and the safety briefing.
Wear runners. No thongs or Crocs.
Mamma's special mention
After all that physical activity, you may require a sugar hit. The awesome Gelato Unou isn’t far away!
panorama garden estate - wildlife sanctuary & secret gardens, boneo
This is truly an experience like no other. Where else will you find a family of Albino kangaroos hopping about?
Mamma cannot get over the awesome panoramic views at this gorgeous place on the Mornington Peninsula.
From up high you can see both Port Phillip and Western Port bays, surrounded by spectacular, sprawling, manicured gardens that are sprinkled with flowers, vegetables, waterfalls and gorgeous wildlife.
This wonderful, privately-owned 55 acres has 18 different gardens to walk through, and is truly an experience like no other. Where else will you find a miniature cow roaming freely munching on grass? Or a family of Albino kangaroos hopping about?
Not only is this wonderful place perfect for getting some exercise and fresh air whilst amongst amazing beauty - it is also a wildlife sanctuary and home to many animals such as; miniature cows, horses, goats, pigs, alpacas, kangaroos, donkeys, emus and many more. Special shout out to the big turkey, who takes it upon himself to be guardian of the property!
This is such a cool place with one of the most breathtaking views this Mamma has ever seen!
Mamma's special mention
Head up the road to enjoy some delicious food and a cheeky drink at the wonderful Green Olive Winery. Or stop and pick some strawberries at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm.
the nitty gritty
Open
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
10am - 2pm
The walk takes aprox 1.5 hours
not pram/wheelchair accessible
Cost
Adults - $30
Kids over 5 $20-
Kids under 5 - FREE
Wanna know more?
click here
Boneo
click here for more great family experiences in Melbourne's South
rain hayne and shine animal farm, balnarring
This wonderful farm has so many adorable animals to feed and cuddle. But you simply cannot go past the piglets.
One word. Piglets.
Mamma is in love. This wonderful farm has so many adorable animals to feed and cuddle. But you simply cannot go past the piglets. They steal Mamma's heart!
There are also calves, donkeys, ponies, lambs, goats, emus, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and more!
For smaller animals that you can cuddle, there's a separate shed that is home to many bunnies, guinea pigs and lots of chickens. If you are lucky there may even be some gorgeous chicks to look at, too.
There are also dozens of toy trucks and cars; as well as a sandpit. swing and slide the kids can play with, free tractor rides, pony rides and a small kiosk where you can get a coffee/drink and snack. But you are free to bring in your own food and picnic at one of the many picnic tables available.
There's lots of fun to be had and memories to be made at this farm!
the nitty gritty
490 Stumpy Gully Rd, Balnarring
Saturday - Wednesday
10am - 4pm
SUMMER SCHOOL HOLDAYS Open daily 10am – 5pm from 1st Jan to 29th Jan
(Last entry 4pm)
STORYTIME daily throughout school holidays 11am & 2pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
Check out Benton Rise Farm on your way home to pick up your fresh produce, grab a coffee and feed some more animals!
the bramble farm, langwarrin
How good are ripe raspberries? Almost as good as fresh blackberries!
How good are ripe raspberries? Almost as good as fresh blackberries!
At this gorgeous farm, you can pick as many berry goodies as you like! With over 10,000 vines of brambleberries and 28,000 canes of raspberries - there are delicious berries for as far as your eyes can see!
This is such a gorgeous little farm, with beautiful gardens, a couple of ponies and even a little playground to entertain the kids!
If you are lucky, you may even sight some pretty pussycats roaming the farm, too!
Mamma's special mention
As well as picking your own fruit, you can also purchase delicious home-made preserves, toppings, marmalades and honey produced on the farm! You can even buy a coffee or cool drink as well!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
November to April
9am to 5pm 7 days a week
Minimum pick your own purchase $10
wanna know more?
click here
peninsula hot springs, fingal
Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids
What could be more relaxing than immersing yourself in hot water, surrounded by the green leafy tranquillity of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula? Not much!
The best part is, you can relax even with the kids! Yep, that's right - it is possible to have a peaceful soak whilst in the company of your kids!
There are separate tubs for the kids, family pools - and little areas where the kids can play in the shallow section whilst you soak in the deeper - jetted areas.
Mamma's favourite things are the little tubs that the kids can sit and play in - super cute and keeps them occupied (and happy!) for ages.
For the hot days, there are also cold plunge pools to refresh in, and pools of varying temperatures.
If you want to really indulge, there are spa treatments available, a sauna, massage chairs and a delicious on site cafe.
Mamma's special mention
Make the day truly memorable and pair it with a package that includes an Indigenous Cultural guided walk and meditation through Rye. This is AMAZING!
the nitty gritty
Open
Monday to Sunday
7am - 10pm
Cost
$25 – $55 per person
Click here for updated pricing
There are loads of spa treatments available as well!
wanna know more? click here
the red hill peony estate, red hill
Take some time out to stop and smell the.. peonies!
Ahhhh peonies - arguably the worlds most favourite flower.
These beauties only stick around for a few months from November, so are coveted and admired by many.
The Red Hill Peony Estate opened its lovely Turkish doors this year to the public, so we all get to experience this amazing place.
The property has been handed down to each generation since the 1880's and you can feel the love and passion the current sisters who run the place (and also live on the grounds) have.
Mamma came on the opening weekend when only a few blooms had decided to show their faces, so the ideal time to visit is late November.
But there are still plenty of gorgeous gardens to see and explore on the estate and the bubble man kept the kids entertained for ages. There was also a playground at the property but it was closed on the day Mamma went.
Don't forget to say hi to the chooks!
the nitty gritty
$12 entry for adults - no toilets - 800m walk to the peonies - pram friendly for the most part - purchase peonies at the cool store for $25 a bunch
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Don the gumboots and come back in the winter for the truffle hunt!
moonlit sanctuary, pearcedale
This AMAZING wildlife sanctuary is somewhere you absolutely have to add to your must-do list! Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabys, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats......... and more!
Want to cuddle a koala? Have a kangaroo eat out of your hand? See Tasmanian devils cuddling?
Well - does Mamma have the place for you!
This AMAZING wildlife sanctuary is somewhere you absolutely have to add to your must-do list!
There is so much to see here, and the sanctuary itself is simply stunning.
Set on a 25-acre biopark, in the heart of Mornington Peninsula, is this tree-filled, wildlife haven.
Kangaroos, wallabies, ducks and all-sorts of birds, freely roam the path, stopping at your feet to literally eat of your hands (bags of food are included in entry price).
For an extra fee, you can have the incredible encounter of cuddling a koala! This Mamma could not resist the opportunity to stroke its surprisingly soft fur, as he lazily munched on some leaves. This experience was super cool, and I highly recommend doing it if you can!
There are Tasmanian devils, seriously gorgeous wombats, owls, eagles, lizards, tortoise, snakes, spot tail quolls, dingoes - and lots of beautiful birds.
There's also an option to have a Night Tour, so you can see another perspective of this wonderful place.
the nitty gritty
550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd Pearcedale
OPEN
10am - 5pm every day except for Christmas Day
Night Tours - must be booked by 3pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
There are lots of tables and areas to have a picnic lunch, as well as a small cafe on site.
Mamma's tip - if you go in colder months - make sure to wear gumboots as it gets very muddy!
kids high tea on the high seas - searoad ferries
Treat the kids to a taste-bud tantalising High Tea on the high seas!
Sail the high seas in high style!
Crossing the bay has never been so much fun.
Kids can now experience their own lap of luxury with an indulgent High Tea treat!
Cookie monster cupcakes, macarons, caramel popcorn, lollies, scones, sausage rolls, sandwiches and fairy bread are just some of the things on offer on tiered plates.
Whist the taste-buds are being tantalised, take in the beautiful scenery as you cruise across the bay, you may even be lucky enough to spot a dolphin swimming along side you!
There is also a beautiful fairy helping to keep the kids entertained with face painting fun!
Mamma says treat the kids to something special during the school holidays, they will love you for it!
Mamma's special mention
There is so much to do on board during the School Holidays.
For more info ion these activities, click here
Don't worry Mamma's- you don't miss out. Adults High Tea are just as exquisite, and even include a cheeky sparkling, too! For more info on regular Adult's High Tea - click here.
the nitty gritty
DATES
September 26
October 1st
Departing Sorrento at 2pm
Departing Queenscliff at 11am
PRICE
Adults - $55
Kids - $35
Kids 0- 3 $15
Kids must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Wanna know more?
click here.
Esplanade, Sorrento VIC
1 Wharf St East, Queenscliff
for more family experiences in melbourne's south, click here
penguin parade, summerlands beach
The Penguin Parade is a MUST DO for any trip down to the Island.
Waddle-waddle-waddle - a waddling we go! The Penguin Parade is a MUST DO for any trip down to the Island. Each night over 500 little penguins make their way up the beach to their burrows and we are lucky enough to watch and even get a front row seat to the action.
You have the choice of 3 sections to sit and view this daily waddle. The prized ticket is for an underground viewing - the best seats in the house. The groups of birds walking centimetres from the windows, pausing momentarily to stare right back at you! This intimate underground viewing room is capped at 70 people and is the perfect choice in the middle of winter when the weather is unpredictable.
The Penguins Plus option is another upgrade option that is well worth it as your little ones can really get a great view of the other little ones as they meander under and past the boardwalks. The other option is general viewing where you get a wonder vantage point of the shoreline and the penguins crossing the sand.
Regardless of your ticket option, you will get to see and hear the little penguins up close as many make their way home to bed up around the main boardwalks. Unfortunately no photos can be taken of the parade itself to share - I guess you will just have to take the family and see them for yourselves.
The brand new visitors centre is great too. Some great video displays let you get up close to the digital version of the birds - without having to get wet!
Mammas special mentions: The Mammas just love Phillip Island. For all the best things to do with the fam, check out Mamma Knows South’s guide to the Island HERE.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
the penguins arrive at around sunset so check local times closer to when you plan your trip
FOR MORE FUN IDEAS AT PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARKS CLICK HERE
wanna know more? click here
Ventnor Road, Summerlands, Phillip Island
click here for more great family experiences in Melbourne's south
koala conservation centre, rhyll
The Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island is quality eco-education - Koalas in their natural habitat with boardwalks allowing visitors to get a closer view.
Our furry friends the koala - or as in Mamma’s house - ko-arrr-la - are right at home in this eucalyptus haven. The Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island is quality eco-education. Visitors walk through the information centre and learn all about the ecosystems as well as the sights, sounds and smells that awaits. The feature of the centre are the natural habitats with tree top boardwalks, bringing visitors up a little closer to the fluffy little fellas. As it isn’t your typical zoo and exhibit type set up, you have to have your eyes peeled, voices low and a bit of patience up your sleeve. Rangers record each day how many koalas you are likely to spot on each walkway - very much like a game of eye-spy. Mamma found all on the first boardwalk, but only saw one out of four on the other. After you have found them all in the gum trees do take a stroll along the paths through the native bushland. You might even spot a wallaby or two.... maybe four.
Mamma’s special mention: The best way to see all the great nature parks that are on offer at Phillip Island is with a 3 Park Pass and can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven, 500m as you arrive onto the Island. There are lots of options and can include the Penguin Parade, Arctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island.
Phillip Island Road, Phillip Island
churchill island, phillip island
An island off an island! Churchill Island is a must do if you have a family and kids learning all the different animal noises.
An island off an island. Churchill Island is a must do if you have a family and kids learning all the different animal noises! This historic island is a little oasis and wonderful little spot to spend the afternoon, learning about Australian farm life. The best time is the afternoon were the farm comes alive with whip cracking, cow milking, working dog demonstrations and sheep shearing. Although it is also the busiest time, there is plenty of room to see, especially sitting on nanny’s hip. There are your classic farm animals from the cows, sheep, a couple of pigs and chooks. Then of course, keep your eyes out for a turkey, some ferrets, peacock and don’t forget to sneak behind the shearing shed to spy some wallabies. The grounds of this farm are exquisite with stunning gardens surrounding the historical buildings and cottages. Here the family will learn about early European settler life in the original buildings on the property Weather you bring a picnic lunch or dine in the cafe, you are bound to have an enjoyable visit.
Mamma’s special mentions: The best way to see all the great nature parks that are on offer at Phillip Island is with a 3 Park Pass and can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven, 500m as you arrive onto the Island. There are lots of options and can include the Penguin Parade, Arctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island.
Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island
